With SGA elections in full swing, the hustle and bustle of Auburn’s campus
“I am excited for everyone running," said SGA President Jacqueline Keck. "It is up to the next executive team to decide what is best for Auburn, but my desire is to see them derive ideas and initiatives from student voice and feedback."
Early student government began in the form of class officers. In the spring of 1924, when the University was under the name Alabama Polytechnic Institute, the organization Student Council was installed. G.W. Phillips was the first president.
The purpose of Student Council was to allow elected representatives to enforce college rules and handle problems within the student body. It was comprised of four seniors, three juniors, two sophomores and one freshman. The Executive Council of Auburn, made up of directors and deans, supported the work of Student Council.
Upon creation, women weren’t part of Student Council because there was a group called the Woman’s Student Government Association. The organization was created in 1922 and designed to handle actions pertaining to the discipline and advancement of female students.
As the years passed, the organization underwent a series of name and structural changes.
“An interesting incident with SGA was a pep rally in 1927 when the head football coach David Morey abruptly announced his resignation," said library technical specialist John Varner. "In opposition, students attacked a railroad train. The Board of Trustees disbanded the student government for a while."
By 1960, the campus was renamed Auburn University and Student Council was renamed Student Government. It developed into three branches – executive, legislative and judicial, made up of students and faculty members. The Student Government president appointed the Executive Cabinet.
Between 1960 and 1964, the group became coed and was renamed the Student Body of Auburn University. All registered undergraduates were placed within one of the three branches. The purpose was to assist in planning extracurricular activities and improve student relations with the administration.
WSGA dissolved by the mid-80s and the Student Body of Auburn University was once again renamed to SGA.
“In the past, we were an average student government when compared to our SEC peers," said Assistant Director of Student Involvement Brad Smith. "The organization has grown in the number of people and the number of projects over the last ten years."
SGA attends the SEC Exchange Conference every July. In 2015 and 2016, Auburn won Initiative of the Year for their work with mental health and the Auburn Memorial. This past summer, SGA won Event Of The Year for Hey Day and the title SGA of the Year.
Auburn’s Involvement Awards recognized SGA as the best organization on campus in 2017.
“Awards are indicators that our teams have transitioned well from year to year," Smith said. "The administration continues to give SGA a voice because of the level of professionalism and growth that has taken place."
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